Asante Mampong, Ashanti Region – Ghana’s pioneer apple farmer, Apostle Samuel Oduro, has appealed to the government and private investors to support local apple production. He stressed that with the right infrastructure, investment, and technical assistance, Ghana can reduce its dependence on imported apples and develop a thriving local industry.
Apostle Oduro, who has successfully challenged the belief that apples cannot thrive on Ghanaian soil, called on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and other stakeholders to provide essential infrastructure, including irrigation systems, specialised farming chemicals, and financial incentives.
He believes that with proper support, Ghana can transition from total reliance on imported apples to becoming a self-sufficient producer. “Working on this has been very challenging because apple cultivation is uncommon in this climate,” he said.
Apostle Oduro gained extensive experience in apple farming while abroad before returning to Ghana with the vision of proving that the fruit could grow successfully in Mampong. His efforts have already yielded positive results, challenging long-held assumptions about Ghana’s soil suitability.
Currently, his harvest is being distributed to local market women, who are now able to sell “Ghanaian-grown” apples to the public, providing an alternative to imported fruit.
The farmer is urging the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to collaborate with him to expand apple cultivation across various regions. He has set an ambitious goal: to make apple production a cornerstone of Ghanaian agriculture, similar to the impact Tetteh Quarshie had on cocoa farming.
Market women who sell apples by the roadside welcomed the initiative. They noted that the high cost of imported apples, driven by shipping fees and fluctuating exchange rates, often leads to elevated retail prices, reducing their profit margins.
“Having a large local production would be very welcome,” one vendor said. “Imported apples are too expensive, and sourcing them locally would benefit both our businesses and our customers,” another trader added.
Apostle Oduro remains committed to expanding apple farming in Ghana. He believes that with the right infrastructure, investment, and government support, local apple production can thrive, boost the economy, and make fresh apples accessible to all Ghanaians.
